Have you hopped on the matcha wagon yet? It’s not just trendy, there’s a real reason why so many people are swapping their coffee for this vibrant green magic dust.
Have you ever felt totally overwhelmed, brain buzzing, can’t sleep, can’t focus, can’t cope? The answer might just be hiding in your tea leaves.
Coffee has always been my guilty pleasure. I love that rich, oily aroma, but I don’t do moderation well. Four cups in the morning? Guilty. And then comes the anxiety. Coffee gives you a sharp energy spike, followed by the dreaded crash. Matcha, on the other hand, thanks to its star ingredient L-theanine, gives you a smooth, steady lift. No jitters, no sudden drops, just a calm, focused kind of energy.
L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in tea, especially matcha. Unlike a knockout pill, it soothes your mind without making you drowsy. Think of it as a brain massage in a mug. It works by boosting your GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, the big three when it comes to mood. Balanced levels of these chemicals mean less stress, more focus, and better mental clarity. And here’s the cherry on top: L-theanine also blocks cortisol, your stress hormone. That means fewer mum meltdowns and more “breathe and reboot” moments.
Most people describe drinking matcha as feeling “zen”, peaceful but not sleepy. For me, matcha wins over coffee every time. It gives me the calm energy I need in a chaotic day, something I rarely feel when I’m bouncing between being overly wired or dragging my feet through bedtime routines.
Now, a little science for you. Most people feel the calming effects of L-theanine between 100–200mg, which is about 2–3 cups of matcha. Personally, I feel it after just one, but I’m quite sensitive. Beyond calming vibes, L-theanine helps reduce brain fog, supports your immune system, improves sleep, and even helps your body cope with stress more gracefully. No wonder it’s often added to sleep supplements. Just remember: while matcha contains L-theanine, it also contains caffeine, so don’t sip it too close to bedtime unless you want to reorganise your sock drawer at 2 a.m.
Where else can you get L-theanine? Mostly tea, green, black, white, and especially matcha. You’ll only find tiny traces in mushrooms, but nowhere else. That’s why matcha is such a superstar.
So how do you enjoy it? I like mine simple, just whisked with warm water. But you can get creative: matcha lattes with warm milk and stevia, or in summer, iced matcha with lemon or a slice of ginger. Just make sure you buy pure, high-quality matcha. Cheap ones taste bitter and grassy. If it’s pricier, it’s usually the good stuff.
And while we’re talking amino acids, don’t forget collagen. At Dietapplements, we’ve got two brilliant marine collagen products: one with hyaluronic acid for glowing skin, and another complex packed with collagen, biotin, vitamins, minerals, and even superfoods. Perfect for tired mums dealing with split ends and fragile nails (been there).
If you need calm focus without the coffee crash, give matcha a try. For me, it’s like a spa day in a mug.
-Written by Hala Ali, founder of Dietapplements
